President Xi Jinping has commended the work of Hong Kong's leader and his administration, including holding the Legislative Council elections, while expressing his condolences to victims of the deadly Tai Po fire.

Xi on Tuesday met Chief Executive John Lee who is in Beijing for his annual duty visit, during which the president expressed the central government's support for the city and urged the SAR to proactively align with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

"You led the SAR government with courage while taking on responsibility, safeguarding national sovereignty, safety and development interests. The eighth Legislative Council election was held successfully. Hong Kong is proactively integrating into the country's development plan, achieving stable economic growth," Xi said.

"The SAR is advancing from stability to prosperity, while taking new steps forward. The central government fully affirms your work as well as that of the SAR government."

Xi also took the opportunity to offer his condolences to victims of the devastating fire at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court that claimed at least 160 lives, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking".

"Here, I once again express my condolences to the deceased and the firefighter who died on duty, and my sympathy to their families and compatriots affected by the disaster," he said.

The chief executive, for his part, thanked Beijing for its continuous care and support for Hong Kong, saying he is grateful for the backing of the president, various mainland firms and compatriots home and abroad over the Tai Po fire.

Lee told the president the success of the legislative polls showed the public's general support for his administration's determination to rebuild and reform after the blaze.

The CE added he is hopeful for Hong Kong to balance the books after a budget deficit.

"With the joint efforts of the government and society, the economy continues to develop, and a deficit in the administration's finances is expected to turn into a surplus this year. Hong Kong's rise in international rankings on various fronts shows it is making continuous and steady progress, as well as the confidence of the international community," Lee said.

"The Legco election was held successfully on December 7, showing how the people generally support the government's post-disaster work and our determination to reform and move forward."

Lee vowed to lead society in seizing opportunities, promoting high-quality development and pursuing reform.

The closed-door meeting in Zhongnanhai was attended by Premier Li Qiang, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, and Central Committee general office director Cai Qi, among other Hong Kong and mainland officials.

Also in attendance were Xia Baolong and Xu Qifang, respectively head and executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, as well as liaison office director Zhou Ji.